Postgraduate Course: Forensic Taphonomy (PGHC11263)
Course Outline
| School |
School of History, Classics and Archaeology |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits |
10 |
| Home subject area |
Postgraduate (School of History and Classics) |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
| Course description |
The key aim of the course is to offer students an understanding of the taphonomic processes that can affect human remains following death, which is key is to meaningful forensic interpretation of osteological data. Factors affecting decomposition and putrefaction of soft tissue, preservation of soft tissue, the importance of entomology, palynology and botany are covered, as well as the identification and analysis of calcined bone and an awareness of cremation technology. |
Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
|
Other requirements |
None
|
| Additional Costs |
None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1)
|
WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: None |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| No Classes have been defined for this Course |
| First Class |
First class information not currently available |
| No Exam Information |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course the student will
- Have an understanding of the process of decomposition and putrefaction of a human body.
- Have an understanding of the natural agents that cause post mortem changes in a corpse.
- Be able to assess the effect of burial practices on buried remains
- Understand the role of entomology, palynology and botany in the reconstruction of the burial environment and the assessment of the post mortem interval.
|
Assessment Information
| The course is assessed through an extended essay of approximately 2000 words. |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords |
Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Kathleen Mcsweeney
Tel: (0131 6)50 2373
Email: kath.mcsweeney@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Mrs Lindsay Scott
Tel: (0131 6)50 9948
Email: Lindsay.Scott@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh -
13 January 2011 6:30 am
|
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